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Prayers for the Dying
Catholic prayers for the dying: for the deathbed vigil, the prayer of commendation, and St. Joseph, patron of departing souls.
Part of the By intention prayer collection.
In brief
Catholic prayers for the dying: for the deathbed vigil, the prayer of commendation, and St. Joseph, patron of departing souls.
Prayer: Prayer of Commendation
Go forth, beloved soul, in the name of God the Father who created you; in the name of Jesus Christ who suffered and died for you; in the name of the Holy Spirit who was poured out on you. May your home be with God in Zion, with Mary the Virgin Mother, with St. Joseph and all the angels and saints. We commend you to the mercy you always trusted — and we hold you until we must let go. Amen.
Source note: After the liturgical commendation of the dying
A prayer beside someone who is dying
If someone is dying, keep the prayer gentle and short: speak the person's name, read a familiar Gospel or Psalm, allow silence and entrust them to the mercy of God. The person may want to pray, listen or rest; presence and appropriate medical and pastoral care matter as much as finding the right words.
Catholic prayers for the dying, the family and the dead are not interchangeable. This page distinguishes prayer at the bedside, the Sacrament of Anointing and prayers after death, using hope rather than fear and never treating death as a failure of faith.
If you are reading this at a vigil
You are doing something ancient and holy. Between these prayers: silence is liturgical too. Hold the hand. Say the name. When the time comes, the Church's oldest line is enough: "Into Your hands, Lord, we commend their spirit." — And one practical note: if there is any time left and no priest has been called, call one; the Anointing of the Sick is made for exactly this hour.
Keep praying
St. Joseph, patron of a happy death
- Novena for the dead
- All Souls — Nov 2